At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students in a unique farm-based SEMH school while engaging in hands-on farm work.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at a specialist SEMH school in Wandsworth.
- Benefits: Earn £108 per day, access to CPD courses, and dedicated consultant support.
- Other info: No prior experience needed; full training provided for the right attitude.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through therapeutic education and animal care.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping young people, comfortable with farm work, and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Wandsworth
Setting: SEMH School (vulnerable students)
Start Date: Friday 5th June (CVs by Thursday lunchtime)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:45pm (term time only)
Pay: £108 per day
Trial/observation days available now – see the farm and therapy work in action before you commit.
Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable young people through alternative, therapeutic education? Do you want to combine classroom support with hands-on farm work to help students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs re-engage with learning? We are recruiting a Teaching Assistant / Farm Assistant for a specialist SEMH school in Wandsworth. This unique role supports vulnerable students who have experienced trauma, disengagement from education, and behavioural challenges. The school uses farm-based, therapeutic activities to build confidence, routine, and emotional regulation.
This is not a desk job – you will be mucking out animals, lifting heavy loads, working in all weather, and getting dirty, all while building trusting relationships with students who need consistency and calm adult role models.
Why this role is unique
- Classroom and 1:1 support – helping vulnerable students regulate, focus, and engage
- Farm duties – working alongside students to care for animals, maintain the farm, and build practical skills
The farm is a therapeutic environment. Many SEMH students struggle in traditional classroom settings but thrive when given responsibility, physical activity, and the chance to connect with animals. You will be comfortable with all aspects of farm work, including:
- Mucking out animals
- Heavy lifting
- Working in all weather conditions
- Working with sheep, goats, ponies, small animals, and reptiles
- Wearing old clothes and not minding getting dirty
It is essential that you are comfortable with all aspects of farm work – this is not a light-touch role. The students will see you getting stuck in alongside them, which builds trust and models resilience.
How this role develops your experience
- Behaviour understanding – gain insight into SEMH, trauma, and disengagement
- Alternative education strategies – learn how farm-based interventions support emotional regulation
- Relationship building – become a trusted, consistent adult in a non-judgemental environment
- Safeguarding experience – work closely with vulnerable young people
- Practical farm skills – animal care, manual handling, outdoor working
Your responsibilities
Teaching Assistant duties:
- Support vulnerable students 1:1 and in small groups
- Help pupils re-engage with learning and build positive routines
- Provide SEMH support to improve focus and behaviour
- Work with teachers and therapists to deliver tailored support strategies
- Encourage a culture where education is seen as valuable and achievable
Farm Assistant duties:
- Muck out animal enclosures (sheep, goats, ponies, small animals, reptiles)
- Carry out heavy lifting (feed, bedding, equipment)
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Support students in caring for animals safely and responsibly
- Wear old clothes and work in a physically dirty environment
- Be comfortable with all aspects of farm work – no exceptions
The students you support are vulnerable but capable of change – your role is to show up consistently, get your hands dirty, and help them see their own value.
Who we are looking for
Essential:
- Fully comfortable with all aspects of farm work (mucking out, heavy lifting, all weather, all animals including reptiles)
- Willing to get dirty and wear old clothes
- Resilient, patient, and consistent
- Passionate about helping vulnerable young people succeed
- Able to build strong, trusting relationships
Desirable but not essential:
- Psychology, criminology, or education graduate
- Experience with SEMH, autism, or trauma-informed practice
- Previous farm or animal care experience
No prior school experience required – attitude and intent are key. If you are willing to work hard outdoors and support vulnerable students, full training is provided.
What’s in it for you
- £108 per day
- Fast-track registration – CVs by Thursday lunchtime for a Friday 5th June start
- Access to 1000+ CPD courses (including SEMH and safeguarding training)
- Free wellbeing resources
- Discount and perks platform
- Dedicated consultant support
- Opportunity to work in a unique farm-based SEMH setting in Wandsworth
Important – please read CVs must be submitted by Thursday lunchtime to start on Friday 5th June. If you are not comfortable with mucking out, heavy lifting, working in all weather, sheep, goats, ponies, small animals, reptiles, or getting dirty – this role is not for you. If you are ready to work hard outdoors and change the lives of vulnerable young people – we want to hear from you.
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines.
Teaching Assistant / Farm Assistant employer: Milk Education
At our SEMH school in Wandsworth, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our unique blend of classroom and farm-based activities not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on vulnerable students' lives but also offers extensive professional development opportunities through access to over 1000 CPD courses. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values resilience, relationship-building, and hands-on learning in a therapeutic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant / Farm Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its environment before applying. Visit the farm, chat with current staff, and see how they engage with students. This will give you a feel for the place and help you tailor your approach when you apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for working with vulnerable young people. During interviews or trial days, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting those with SEMH needs. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to get your hands dirty! If you're comfortable mucking out and lifting heavy loads, let that enthusiasm shine through. It’s not just about the classroom; it’s about being an active part of the farm experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. We want to see your CV, but we also want to hear your story. Make sure to highlight any relevant experiences that show your resilience and ability to build trust with students.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant / Farm Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting vulnerable young people shine through. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this unique SEMH setting.
Be Specific About Your Skills:Highlight your hands-on experience with farm work and any relevant skills you have. Mention specific tasks you've done, like mucking out or caring for animals, to show you're ready to get stuck in!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the key responsibilities and qualities mentioned in the job description. Use similar language to demonstrate that you understand the role and are a great fit for it.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the unique responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant / Farm Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the SEMH needs of students and how farm-based activities can support their emotional regulation. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
During the interview, express your passion for supporting vulnerable young people. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your resilience, patience, and ability to build trusting relationships. This is key in demonstrating that you’re the right fit for this challenging yet rewarding environment.
✨Get Practical with Examples
Be prepared to discuss specific situations where you've had to muck in and get your hands dirty, whether in a previous job or personal experience. Highlight your comfort with physical work and how you’ve successfully engaged with others in challenging circumstances. This will reassure them that you’re ready for the demands of the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to SEMH education and the farm activities. This shows that you’re not only interested in the position but also eager to contribute positively to the students’ learning experiences.
